Fluid flow control system

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow control system is provided for restricting or stopping the flow of pressurized fluids in a pipeline. This system, for example, can be installed in a pipeline which is carrying oil, and can be utilized to control such fluid, during oil well fires and in pipe lines which have been ruptured. This system includes a saddle clamp for encompassing the pipeline to seal off a portion thereof, a mechanism for cutting a port in the pipeline, and a valve device for insertion into the port to control the flow of fluid in the pipeline.

United States Patent 1 Jones [1111 3,747,631 [451 July 24, 1973 FLUIDFLOW CONTROL SYSTEM [22] Filed: June 17, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 153,968

[52] US. CL... I 137/318, 90/12 R, 90/15 Duncan 137/318 X Thompson137/318 Primary Examiner-Martin P. Schwadron Assistant Examiner-David R.Matthews Attorney-William E. Jones [57] ABSTRACT A fluid flow controlsystem is provided for restricting or stopping the flow of pressurizedfluids in a pipeline. This system, for example, can be installed in apipeline which is carrying oil, and can be utilized to control suchfluid, during oil well fires and in pipe lines which have been ruptured.This system includes a saddle clamp for encompassing the pipeline toseal off a portion thereof, a mechanism for cutting a port in thepipeline, and a valve device for insertion into the port'to control theflow of fluid in the pipeline.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 511 rm. (1..., B23b 41/08, F16e 41/04 [58]Field of Search 137/317, 318; 138/94, 94.3, 97; 90/11 R, 12, 12.5, 151A, 39, 40, 44

[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 940,356 11/1909 Phelps137/318 X 1,989,768 2/1935 Nieman 137/318 X 2,840,100 6/1958 Stephenson137/318 Pmemwm 3.747. 631

SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTOR WILLIAM M. JONES mmmmwm SHEET 2 UP 3 NdE INVENTORWILLIAM M. JONES FLUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM This invention relatesgenerally to fluid flow control devices, and more particularly itpertains to a pipeline valve system arranged to shut off or control theflow of fluid in pipelines, such as oil.

There are many instances where oil well fires at sea or on land orruptured pipelines having fluid therein, must be quickly brought undercontrol either to extinguish the oil fires or restrict or stop the flowof fluid in such pipelines.

It is an object of this invention therefore, to provide a fluid flowcontrol system including a gate valve device, which can be installed onan active fluid pipeline, to control the high pressure fluid therein,with no appreciable leakage or spillage of fluid occurring duringinstallation of the system.

Still even another object of this invention is to provide a fluid flowcontrol system for a high pressure fluid pipeline which can be utilizedto restrict or stop the flow of fluid in the pipeline.

And even another object of this invention is to provide a fluid flowcontrol system for a pipeline which can be remotely controlled afterinstallation and which can serve as a safety'device particularly in oilwell operations at sea or on land.

And still even another object of this invention is to provide a fluidflow control system for pipelines including a safety valve device whichcan be quickly installed in instances where no valve device haspreviously been installed in a pipeline to control the flow of fluidtherein.

These and other objects and attendant advantages of the invention willbeapparent from the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a saddle clampincorporating features of this invention having an inner diameter tostraddle and fit securely around a pipeline, whose fluid flow therein isto be regulated.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a gate valve;

FIG. 2a is a cutaway side view of the gate valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a cutting tool, its entranceport with supporting member, and a feed mechanism therefor;

FIG. 3a is a partial view of the cutting tool entrance port of FIG. 3,with the cutting tool removed; 7

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cutting tool of FIG. 2, with partsbeingshown in dotted lines;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a feed activating mechanism for thecutting tool;

FIG. 6 is a side section view showing a drive arrangement; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded head.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. I a two piecesaddle clamp 8 designed to fit securely around a pipeline having fluid,under pressure, such as a high pressure oil pipeline, which is to becontrolled. The saddle clamp 8 is designed .to be of sufficient lengthto extend a distance of approximately six times the diameter of thepipeline it is servicing.

This saddle clamp 8is provided with flanges l0 having spaced apertures11 arranged to receive bolts. Around the inner periphery on each portionof the clamp 8, spaced lead compression seals 12 are provided. Thesesealsl2 are compressed on installation perspective view of a cutting andthey effectively seal the saddle clamp 8 to the exterior of thepipeline.

At the top and bottom of the clamp 8, there will be provided Allen typeset screws 13 to further add to the mechanical security of the clamp 8.At its lengthwise center 14, the clamp 8 will be reinforced somewhatlarger than the diameter of the pipeline. This horizontal square portion14 of the clamp 8 will have a vertical thickness approximating that ofthe horizontal dimensions.

In the center of the horizontal square portion 14 of the clamp 8, thereis cut a groove 15 which extends en tirely through the saddle clamp 8and it is somewhat wider than the diameter of the pipe. Around thesegrooves 15, on both sides of the saddle clamp 8, apertures 16 aredrilled and tapped to receive bolts.

To these rectangular saddle valve ports of grooves 15, there are mountedon opposite sides, a gate valve 9 and a pipe cutting tool 25.

The gate valve 9 (of a non-rising stem type), as shown in FIGS. 2 and2a, is provided with a blade 17 which is normally in a retractedposition. This gate valve 9 is securely fastened to the saddle clamp 8by means of a flange 18 having apertures 16 therein for bolts and itremains a part of. the saddle valve 8.

The blade 17 is driven into the saddle valve port of groove 15 byrotating a handle 19 on the valve 9 which, in turn, turns a threadedshaft 20.. This shaft 20 is positioned internal to a tapped bore 21, andit forces the tapped bore barrel 21 extending out from the valve blade17 at the rear in a forward motion.

The threaded shaft 20 is prevented from leaving the valve 9 by means ofa collar 22 which is held in by an assembly nut 23 and made leak proofby packing and a packing nut 24. The valve blade 17 is designed to havethe same dimensions of the saddle valve port or groove 15 and to fitsnuggly into and through the valve port or groove 15.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cutting tool 25 and a cuttingtool support 26 therefore, while in FIG. 3a there is shown a section ofan entrance port 27 and a nylon or teflon seal 28 which surrounds theinterior of the port or groove 15.

This seal 28 is to provide a gasket for the cutting tool 25 duringcutting operations. Removable locking pins 29 are utilized to securethreaded feed rails 30 when the cutting tool 25 is operating. Thecutting tool 25 can be quickly removed by removing lbothpins 29.

In FIG. 3, is to be noted that a cutting head 31 is provided whichconsists of three rows; of tungston carbide tool bits 32, shown best inFIG. 7, whose total cutting thickness is comparable to the rectangularport or groove 15 in the saddle clamp 8.

The tool bits 32 are so spaced as to overlapeach other horizontallyduring the cutting stroke. If the cutting stroke is one inch, theleading edge of the tool bits 32 are designed to be approximately 7/8inches apart. This would give an overlap onthe cutting stroke of U8inch. This would assure a goodclear cut since the feed mechanism is tostart feeding on the cutting stroke.

Pawl mechanisms are provided to advance the cutting bits 32 They arelocated to the rear of the cutting tool 25 near the top thereof. Thesepawl mechanisms 48 are actuated by a plunger 50located on the top of thecutting tool 25 between the pawl mechanisms 48.

In FIG. 4, there is shown a top view of the cutting tool 25 having acutter blade 34. This cutting tool 25, with its cutter blade 34, is soproportioned that the arc of the cutter head represents a segment of acircle, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the circleof the pipe being cut. This is done purposely to reduce the possibilityof multiple contacts of the cutting tool bits 32 during the cuttingoperation.

It is also to be noted that the cutting action carries past the diameterof the pipe being cut and extends into the clean portion on both sidesof the rectangular port or groove 15.

A fulcrum 35 is provided as shown in FIG. 4, for the blade 34 which isneeded to impart motion to the cutting head 31. It is located at theexact radius of the arc. The fulcrum 35 would best be ofa roller or ballbearing type, as shown by the bearing 36.

This bearing 36, as shown in FIG. 6, can be recessed into the upper andlower assembly plates 43 and 44 to prevent any unwarranted action. Thisbearing 36 can be further reinforced by means of screws 37 extendinginto a screw plug 38 in the center of the bearing 36.

To the rear of the fulcrum 35, the cutter blade 34 maintains a width ofsufficient size to give the needed strength to the cutting operation. Anarm 39, shown in FIG. 4, extends to the rear of the fulcrum 35 to apoint which intersects a crank pin 40 located on a driven gear 41.

The distance the cranking pin 40 is located away from the center of thelarge gear 41, plus the relationship of the length of the cutter arm 39with regards to the cutting head 31, distance from the fulcrum 35 willdetermine (1) the mechanical power advantage for the cutting operation,and (2) the length of rotational travel experienced by the cutting head31. These parameters can be optimized for individual needs. The cuttertool 25 can be driven by an electrical motor 42, or air power accordingto the needs established.

It is probably prudent that the cutting arm 39 be arranged not to makeover 2 strokes per second and most likely one.

The cutter blade arm 39 and the cutting blade 31 are sandwiched betweentwo bearing surface plates 43 and 44 as previously mentioned inconnection with FIG. 6. These plates 43 and 44 are joined together bymeans of a third plate 45 shown best in FIG. 5. This unit, whenassembled, will be leak proof since no external openings are required.

These plates 43, 44, and 45 are assembled by means of machine screws andthey add mechanical integrity and strength to the cutting tool 25.

Projections out the front of the cutting tool 25 are used to serve asguides. Safety guards 46, as shown in FIG. 4, are provided to preventthe cutting blade 31 from cutting into the valve blade 7 shown in FIG.2a during the cutting operation.

On the inside of each guard 46, there is placed a segment of a steelspring 47 which extendsfrom the guard 46 to the cutting head 31, asshown in FIG. 4. This spring 47 is made the thickness of the cuttinghead 31 andit is used to scavenge chips and prevent them from enteringinto the cutting tool 25. Normal operation in an active fluid line willbe sufficient to remove the chips once the cutting operation is started.

A view of the cutting head 31 is best seen in FIG. 7 which shows amethod proposed for spacing and securing the cutting tool bits 32 to acutting tool bit holder 49. The cutting tool bits 32 and the cuttingtool bit holder 49 are, when assembled, not to exceed the measurementsof the heights of the saddle valve port or groove 15 shown in FIG. 1.

This cutting head 31, when operating, will be capable of making a cleancut through the saddle valve port or groove 15 to cut away all surplusmaterial. The cutting tool bits 32 may be sharpened and angled by oneskilled in the state of the art.

It is further desirable that the cutting bits 32 on each consecutive rowbe staggered slightly to the rear of the one on top. This would furtherdecrease the possibility of multiple contact of the cutting bits duringthe start of the cutting operation.

The cutting feed system shown in FIG. 5 is operated by means of thecyclic action of the cutter arm 39. At the beginning of a cuttingstroke, as this arm 39 moves to the right, it will come into contactwith the plunger 50 which is spring loaded at 51 to remain in a downposition. The forward motion of the cutter arm 39 will impart an upwardaction on the plunger 50 and the plunger 50 will separate push rods 52at junction 53.

This action will drive the push rods 52 outward to operate the pawlmechanisms 48. This will cause a pawl 54 to contact teeth on a ratchetgear 55 causing the gear 55 to rotate several degrees. This rotation ofthe ratchet gear 55 will cause gear 55 to advance along the threadedfeed rail 30 driving the cutting tool 25 into the saddle clamp port orgroove 15 and advance the cutting bits 32 into the pipe being cut.

The feeder plunger 50, is held up during the cutting stroke since theplunger 50 is off center to the left, as shown in FIG. 4 and the cutterarm 34 does not traverse past this location. On the return stroke, theplunger 50 will be forced down by the action of spring 51, and push rods52 will return to a closed position due to action of the spring 57. Thepawl 54, which is held by means of action of the leaf spring 58, andmechanically rigid because of mechanical contact with a portion 59 ofthe push rod 52, will return, also skipping over the several teeth ithas advanced in the ratchet gear 55. A lock pawl arrangement 60 isprovided to prevent the return of the ratchet gear 55 when advanced.

It is to be noted that only the left side feed action is shown. Theright side is identical in action. The left side feed mechanism will bethreaded for left hand threads, with the right for right hand threads.

At the end of the cutting action, pins 29 are removed from the feedrods. The valve 9, of FIG. 2 is operated as previously described todrive the blade 17 into the rectangular port or groove 15, sealing offthe severed pipe. Action of the blade 17 entering the port or groove 15will cause the blade 17 to contact the cutter safety guards 46.Continued movement of the valve blade 17 will force the cutting tool 25out on the cutting tool support 26. The cutting tool 25 is then removed.The

' cutting tool support 26 can then be removed and replaced permanentlywith a solid metal priate size and shape.

It is to be noted that the valve 9, once installed, can beelectronically or mechanically controlled by suitable apparatus from aremote point.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

plate of appro- 1. A fluid flow control system for controlling the flowof a pressurized fluid in a pipeline, comprising, means for encompassinga portion of the external surfaceof a pipeline and positioned adjacentthereto, said means having a port of greater diameter than said pipelineextending therethrough and having a section of the encompassed pipelinecontained therein, means extending into said port in said encompassingmeans for cutting away the port-contained section of the encompassedpipeline as an extension of said port in said encompassing means so thatremaining adjacent portions of the pipeline open into said port. andmeans for insertion into said port in said encompassing means toselectively cover the portions of the pipeline which open into said portfor controlling the flow of fluid in said pipeline. i

2. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidencompassing means includes a two-piece saddle clamp arranged to fitsecurely around said pipeline.

3.,A fluid flow control system as recitedin claim 2, wherein said saddleclamp is of sufficient length to extend a distance of approximately sixtimes the diameter of said pipeline.

4. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 1, wherein said meansfor cutting away the port-contained section of the encompassed pipelineincludes an oscillating cutting mechanism.

. 5. A fluid flow control system. as recited in claim 4,

wherein said oscillating cutting mechanism has a cutter head with acutting blade soproportioned that the arc of the cutter head representsa segment of a circle, the diameter of which is greater than thediameter of said pipeline.

6. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 4 wherein the cuttingtool has the same dimensions as and fits into said port effectivelycovering said-severed pipe line after the cutting operation.

7. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidinsertion means includes a gate valve.

8. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 7, wherein gate valvehas the same dimensions as and fits into said port.

9. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said porthas openings formed at opposite ends thereof, and further comprising,

a cutting means support secured to said encompass ing means to cover oneof said port openings and support said cutting means within said port,and i a support for containing movably said insertion means, saidinsertion means support being-secured to said encompassing means tocover another of said port openings with said insertion means beingaligned with said port.

10. A fluid flow. control system as recited in claim 9 which furthercomprises means for permitting the complete removal of said cuttingmeans from said port and said cutting means support so that saidinsertion means can be moved completely and unobstructedly into saidport.

1. A fluid flow control system for controlling the flow of a pressurizedfluid in a pipeline, comprising, means for encompassing a portion of theexternal surface of a pipeline and positioned adjacent thereto, saidmeans having a port of greater diameter than said pipeline extendingtherethrough and having a section of the encompassed pipeline containedtherein, means extending into said port in said encompassing means forcutting away the port-contained section of the encompassed pipeline asan extension of said port in said encompassing means so that remainingadjacent portions of the pipeline open into said port, and means forinsertion into said port in said encompassing means to selectively coverthe portions of the pipeline which open into said port for controllingthe flow of fluid in said pipeline.
 2. A fluid flow control system asrecited in claim 1, wherein said encompassing means includes a two-piecesaddle clamp arranged to fit securely around said pipeline.
 3. A fluidflow control system as recited in claim 2, wherein said saddle clamp isof sufficient length to extend a distance of approximately six times thediameter of said pipeline.
 4. A fluid flow control system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said means for cutting away the port-contained sectionof the encompassed pipeline includes an oscillating cutting mechanism.5. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 4, wherein saidoscillating cutting mechanism has a cutter head with a cutting blade soproportioned that the arc of the cutter head represents a segment of acircle, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of saidpipeline.
 6. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 4 whereinthe cutting tool has the same dimensions as and fits into said porteffectively covering said severed pipe line after the cutting operation.7. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidinsertion means includes a gate valve.
 8. A fluid flow control system asrecited in claim 7, wherein gate valve has the same dimensions as andfits into said port.
 9. A fluid flow control system as recited in claim1 wherein said port has openings formed at opposite ends thereof, andfurther comprising, a cutting means support secured to said encompassingmeans to cover one of said port openings and support said cutting meanswithin said port, and a support for containing movably said insertionmeans, said insertion means support being secured to said encompassingmeans to cover another of said port openings with said insertion meansbeing aligned with said port.
 10. A fluid flow control system as recitedin claim 9 which further comprises means for permitting the completeremoval of said cutting means from said port and said cutting meanssupport so that said insertion means can be moved completely andunobstructedly into said port.